Characters
Mother of the foster family
Very critical
Doesn’t think the Ung siblings will amount to anything
She believes Loung will become a hooker because she is an orphan
Significance of the name “Palm Tree Boy”
He got the name from collecting palm sap from a soldiers training camp.
“I wonder what they are like and what it would feel like to belong to a family again. A new family! A safe home, food to eat, someone to protect me“ (Ung 261).
Tone: Joyful and Hopeful
She hopes that this is a new beginning for her, after the bad couple of years he had without her family and losing them.
Who’s words does Loung think back to?
Pas words “‘No one knows how precious you are. You are a diamond in the rough and with a little polishing, you will shine,’ Pa whispers softly” (Ung 272).
Paof
Initially very nice to Loung
Introduces Loung as a sister
Later on, revels true intentions
Tries to sexually assault Loung
Significance of why the children were needed in the new family
They were only needed to work and help around with the kids and the house.
“I cannot fight him. I cannot tell anyone—not even Kim and Chou. There is nothing I can do but keep away from him. I do not want to cause trouble with our new family. I do not want to live on the streets again“ (Ung 264).
Syntax
The short sentences show the urgency of the situation and how Loung feels. The repetition of the words shows Loungs internal conflict she faces.
Whats hidden in the corner of the families hut?
50 lbs sack cloth bags of rice
Pithy
Meek, not much of a speaker
Soilders took her father away
Lives on the opposite side of the town but meets them to collect wood
Significance of the silk shirt
It was worn by Ma in Phenom Phen, she wore it under her black shirt which she risked her life to keep.
“I sit there, paralyzed and speechless. I am unable to get the scream out of my throat; my heart pounds; my eyes plead with him to let me go“ (Ung 268).
Diction
”Paralayzed”, “Speechless”, and “Scream” create a sense of danger and powerlessness as Loung endures psychological trauma from the soldiers.
What was given to Kim on his last visit to Ma?
Backpack with jewelry sewn in the straps
her favorite silk shirt
The Youn Soilder
Seen without rifle and grenade - looked easier to approach
Seems helpful
Takes her away and tries to rape her
Vietnamese
She runs away from him
she sees him again at the camp but he gets away when Loung tries to attack him
Significance of why Loung is scared of walking barefoot?
She is scared of snakes, and since there are many leaves she can’t see what is beneath them
“Later, crouching near a bush, hugging my knees to my chest, the mother’s words echo in my mind and despair creeps into my heart. She is right. I am an orphan with no future. What will happen to me?“ (Ung 272).
Pathos
Demonstrates the mother’s words had a great impact on how Loung felt about herself. Seeing these words makes the reader feel for her, as many children also feels this way in todays society.
What does the corner of the house represent?
The Ung siblings place in the home, and how the family view them
x
X
Significance of Loungs new friendship
Since the Youn soldiers have taken over, the situation has become less strict and Loung is able to make a new friend, which contrast the beginning because she had to keep to herself.
“To make matters worse, the mother often wonders out loud in front of us whether we are worth our keep” (Ung 265).
Auditory Imagery
highlights the verbal cruelty and emotional abuse the Ung siblings experienced
What does “Nam Soong” mean in english?
Lie down